Auditions for Patrick Hamilton’s ‘Gaslight’ Monday 23rd May 2016, 8pm at the Copthorne Village Hall
The classic psychological thriller Gaslight was written 1938 (but set much earlier as Victorian). There are three main parts, the husband Mr Manningham, his wife Bella and the mysterious Sergeant Rough. There are also two shorter but very satisfying parts of Nancy the young maid and Elizabeth the older housekeeper. In addition, there are two police men.
For more information email jeremy@tafler.co.uk
The cast
Mr Manningham, about 45+, “He is tall, good-looking, about forty-five. He is heavily moustached and whiskered. He has a fine figure, and is perhaps a little too well-dressed. His manner is suave and authoritative, with a touch of mystery and bitterness.” Outwardly kind but authoritarian. Think Rob in the Archers…
Mrs Manningham , about 30, “She has been good-looking, almost a beauty — but now she has a haggard, wan, frightened air, with rings under her eyes, which tell of sleepless nights and worse.” Loves her husband but fears him or perhaps fears his disapprobation; her mother died in the madhouse and she dreads the same fate will befall her.
Rough, around 60 (could be younger), “He is greying, short, wiry, active, brusque, friendly overbearing. He completely dominates the scene from his entrance” Ex detective sergeant, very much bound up with his own agenda, an obsessive
Elizabeth, any age, the cook and housekeeper, “She is a stout, amiable, subservient woman of about fifty”. Likes Mrs Manningham but a bit in awe of her husband. Does not seek to get involved but cannot avoid it.
Nancy, about 19. “She is a self-conscious, pretty, cheeky girl”. She is impudent to Mrs Manningham and has no time for her. Rather fancies Mr Manningham.
Policemen, non-speaking. These are called upon to tie Mr Manningham up.
Outline schedule
Wednesday 23rd May Auditions
Monday 25th July Blocking rehearsal
Wednesday 27th July Blocking rehearsal
August JT working with individuals/pairs at mutually agreeable times, polishing lines and getting to know the characters
September Monday/Wednesday rehearsals, often not with all the cast
October Monday/Wednesday rehearsals, including three Sundays (including technical)
Sunday 23rd October Technical
Monday 24th October Dress rehearsal
Wednesday 26th October Run through (Morgan)
Thursday to Saturday Performances 27-29 October
We are always looking for people who are interested in working backstage, set/prop building, costuming, front-of-house volunteers or making the tea for rehearsal breaks.
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